Increased maternal temperatures during pregnancy are associated with which neonatal outcome?

Increased maternal temperatures during pregnancy can lead to several adverse neonatal outcomes, notably neonatal encephalopathy. This condition is characterized by a spectrum of neurologic dysfunction in newborns that can arise due to a variety of factors, including maternal fever, particularly in the first trimester. Elevated maternal body temperature is associated with several teratogenic effects and can result in fetal brain injury.

Research has shown a correlation between hyperthermia in pregnant individuals and an increased risk of developing neurologic conditions in their offspring, including encephalopathy. It suggests that elevated temperatures can disrupt the development of the fetal nervous system, leading to long-term neurological issues.

In contrast, while increased maternal temperatures may have a role in conditions such as neonatal respiratory distress, hyperbilirubinemia, or jaundice, these outcomes are not as directly linked to maternal temperature in the same way as neonatal encephalopathy. Neonatal jaundice and hyperbilirubinemia often relate to other factors, such as blood type incompatibilities or prematurity, rather than specifically to maternal fever. Neonatal respiratory distress is primarily influenced by prematurity and other respiratory conditions rather than maternal hyperthermia. Thus, the most direct and concerning association remains with neonatal encephalopathy.